Surname Dilliard - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dilliard: What does the surname Dilliard mean?
The surname Dilliard is of French origin, derived from the Old French word 'dillard', which means 'idle talk' or 'gossip'. It may have been a nickname for a person who was a gossip or chatterbox, or someone who was not taken seriously. Alternatively, it might be traced back to the French word 'dille', a type of herb, pointing to a possibility that the name could have been given to a person who cultivated or sold herbs. Like many family names, over the centuries and across geographical locations, spelling variations have evolved, including Dillard, Dilard, Dilliard, and others. Therefore, the exact origins might be diverse. It is noteworthy to mention that family names often reflected societal norms or occupations from the era they originated in, not necessarily the traits or occupations of current bearers of these names. Today, Dilliard is predominantly carried by individuals residing in the United States. Inferences about its meaning and origins should be approached with caution due to varied historical and cultural contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisDilliard: Where does the name Dilliard come from?
The surname Dilliard is generally acknowledged to have French origins, more specifically, from the region of Normandy. It is a variant of the name Dillard. The first known entry of the name into historical record can be traced back to William Dillard, who migrated to the United States in 1663. The name is possibly linked to ‘d’Illiers’, referencing someone from the Illiers commune in France.
Presently, the surname Dilliard is relatively rare and dispersed globally. However, it is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and Texas. The name exists in small quantities across Europe, Australia, and Canada too, bearing testament to the migration of individuals over time. It mostly surfaces in regions where descendants of those who moved from France to Britain, and onward to the New World during and following the Norman Conquest, chose to settle.
Due to the various ways of spelling surnames historically which has resulted in many variations, this name too has several versions like Dillard, Dilard, Dylerd, and others. These versions also have a similar spread globally.
Variations of the surname Dilliard
The surname Dilliard has a handful of variations and alternate spellings that derive from the same origin. It primarily originates from England, Ireland and France, which is why different versions exist due to language differences.
The most commonly found alternatives are: Dillard, Dilliard, Diillard, and Dillward. These variations are largely due to English phonetic spelling, leading to the addition or subtraction of certain letters.
Another commonly known variant is the French origin surname, D'illard - the prefix "D'" denoting "of" in French.
Less common forms include Dilliart and Dilliarde, which are found predominantly in Europe. There is also the Irish cognate, Diolunáid, although this version is rare.
In some cases, names that sound similar or were misheard could also be connected. An example could be Dilard, which while not a direct variant, could be linked due to phonetic similarities.
It's important to remember that the spelling of surnames can vary greatly over time and place, especially in historical documents, therefore these aren't the only possible variations of Dilliard.
Famous people with the name Dilliard
- T. Dilliard: An American R&B performer, songwriter, and producer who has collaborated with prominent artists.
- James Dilliard: A renowned professor emeritus at the University of Colorado, known for his expertise in the study of African-American music.
- William E. "Billy" Dilliard: An American politician who served as a Mayor of Columbus, Georgia.
- Rodney Dilliard: A musician and a member of the iconic bluegrass group, The Dillards. Please note, variations of the surname such as 'Dillard' are much more common and include many more notable figures.